The Holy Small Gathering We have learned that on the day when Rabbi Shimon wished to leave the world and was settling his affairs, his companions gathered in his home. Rabbi Elazar his son, Rabbi Aba and the rest of the companions appeared before him, and the house was full. Rabbi Shimon looked up and saw that the house was full. He wept and said, at a different time, when I was sick, Rabbi Pinchas ben Yair came before me. They waited for me until now until I found my place in the Garden of Eden. When I returned, fire encircled me, which never ceased. No one appeared before me except with permission. Now I see that the fire is extinguished, and the house is full.